National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation Mass and Loading Regulations) Regulations 2006 (Cth)
National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Mass and Loading Regulations) Regulations 2006
Select Legislative Instrument No. 28, 2006
made under the
National Transport Commission Act 2003
Compilation No. 2
Compilation date: 5 March 2016
Includes amendments up to: F2016L00170
Registered: 12 July 2016
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Mass and Loading Regulations) Regulations 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 5 March 2016 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register ( The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
1............ Name of Regulations.......................................................................... 1
2............ Commencement.................................................................................. 1
3............ Road transport legislation—mass and loading................................... 1
Schedule 1—Text of the Road Transport Reform (Mass and Loading) Regulations 2
Endnotes24
Endnote 1—About the endnotes 24
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 25
Endnote 3—Legislation history 26
Endnote 4—Amendment history 27
1Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Mass and Loading Regulations) Regulations 2006.
2Commencement
These Regulations commence on the day after they are registered.
3Road transport legislation—mass and loading
For section 7 of the National Transport Commission Act 2003 (the NTC Act), Schedule 1 sets out road transport legislation, in the form of Regulations, about vehicle mass and loading.
Note 1:The road transport legislation set out in Schedule 1 does not have the force of law (see paragraph 7(2)(a) of the NTC Act).
Note 2:These Regulations must be made in accordance with the Agreement (see subparagraph 3(b)(ii) of the NTC Act).
Note 3:These Regulations are not subject to disallowance—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 44(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 4:These Regulations are not subject to sunsetting—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 54(2)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 5:The text set out in Schedule 1 is that of the Road Transport Reform (Mass and Loading) Regulations (Statutory Rules 1995 No. 56). It has been formatted in accordance with current drafting practice (including styles of provision numbering and cross‑referencing). Those Regulations were approved in draft form by the Ministerial Council for Road Transport on 20 December 1993.
Note 6:The making of the Road Transport Reform (Mass and Loading) Regulations was notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 29 March 1995. No date was ever fixed under subregulation 2(2) of those Regulations.
Schedule 1—Text of the Road Transport Reform (Mass and Loading) Regulations
(regulation 3)
Contents
1............ Title.................................................................................................... 3
2............ Commencement.................................................................................. 3
3............ Purpose............................................................................................... 3
4............ Interpretation...................................................................................... 3
5............ Application of the mass and loading requirements............................ 3
6............ Compliance with requirements—motor vehicles............................... 4
7............ Compliance with requirements—trailers............................................ 4
8............ Compliance with requirements—combinations................................. 5
9............ Proof of loading offences................................................................... 5
10.......... Penalty for an offence......................................................................... 5
11.......... Multiple offences................................................................................ 5
12.......... Failure to comply with certain exemption conditions........................ 6
13.......... Declaring buses to be complying buses............................................. 6
Schedule—Mass and loading requirements 7
Part 1—Mass limits 7
1.1......... Mass limit for a single vehicle........................................................... 7
1.2......... Mass limits for tyres, wheels and axles.............................................. 7
1.3......... Mass limits relating to axle spacing................................................... 9
1.4......... Mass limits for combinations........................................................... 12
Part 2—Size and projection of loads 13
2.1......... Size limits......................................................................................... 13
2.2......... Front and side projections................................................................ 14
2.3......... Rear projections................................................................................ 15
2.4......... Dangerous projections...................................................................... 15
Part 3—Placing and securing loads 16
3.1......... Loading obligations.......................................................................... 16
3.2......... Trailers.............................................................................................. 16
Part 4—Interpretation 17
4.1......... Definitions........................................................................................ 17
Note:The purpose of these Regulations is to help manage road wear and the risk that vehicles and their loads may pose to road users.
The Regulations are intended to match load limits on vehicles with the current capacity of roads and bridges.
The Regulations therefore impose mass limits for vehicles and combinations, including their loads, as well as mass limits for individual tyres, wheels, axles and axle groups. The Regulations also impose rules about the size of a load, how far it may project from the vehicle, warning signals for certain projections, and securing loads.
1Title
These Regulations may be cited as the Road Transport Reform (Mass and Loading) Regulations.
2Commencement
(1)Regulations 1 and 2 commence on the day on which the making of these Regulations is notified in the Gazette.
(2)The remaining provisions of these Regulations commence on a day or days specified by the Commonwealth Minister by notice in the Gazette.
3Purpose
The purpose of these Regulations is to provide a set of nationally uniform or consistent requirements relating to the mass and loading of vehicles and combinations, to:
(a)increase road safety; and
(b)increase the efficiency and reduce the administrative costs of road transport; and
(c)reduce the damage that excessively loaded vehicles and combinations cause to roads and related structures, including bridges.
4Interpretation
(1)In these Regulations:
Commonwealth Minister means the Minister of the Commonwealth administering the Act.
the Act means the Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993.
Note:For the text of the Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993, see Schedule 1 to the National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Vehicles and Traffic Act) Regulations 2005.
(2)Words and phrases defined in the Schedule have the same meanings in the regulations appearing before the Schedule.
(3)A note does not form part of these Regulations.
(4)A diagram appearing in these Regulations is illustrative only.
5Application of the mass and loading requirements
(1)The Schedule applies to:
(a)a vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes; and
(b)a combination that includes a vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes; and
(c)a load on a vehicle described in paragraph (a) or on a combination described in paragraph (b).
(2)The Schedule applies only in the following places:
(a)a road;
(b)an area that divides a road;
(c)a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;
(d)an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving or parking vehicles;
(e)an area that is open to or used by the public and has been declared in accordance with section 16 of the Act to be an area to which these Regulations apply.
(3)The Schedule does not apply to a vehicle or combination that is used only on a railway or tramway, or its load.
Note:Under section 15 of the Act, the Minister can, by notice in the Government Gazette, suspend the operation of all or part of these Regulations for a specified period, or vary them. A requirement in the Schedule does not apply to the extent that it is suspended or varied under the Act.
6Compliance with requirements—motor vehicles
(1)If a motor vehicle or a load on a motor vehicle does not comply with a requirement in the Schedule that applies to it, each of the following persons is guilty of an offence:
(a)the owner of the motor vehicle;
(b)the driver of the motor vehicle.
(2)A person who is both the owner and the driver of the motor vehicle may be punished only once for the same failure of the vehicle or load to comply with a requirement.
7Compliance with requirements—trailers
(1)If a trailer or a load on a trailer does not comply with a requirement in the Schedule that applies to it, each of the following persons is guilty of an offence:
(a)the owner of the trailer;
(b)the owner of any motor vehicle towing the trailer;
(c)the driver of any motor vehicle towing the trailer.
(2)A person who meets more than one of the descriptions in paragraphs (1)(a), (b) and (c) may be punished only once for the same failure of the trailer or load to comply with a requirement.
8Compliance with requirements—combinations
(1)If a combination fails to comply with a requirement in the Schedule that applies to it, each of the following persons is guilty of an offence:
(a)the owner of the motor vehicle included in the combination;
(b)the driver of the motor vehicle included in the combination;
(c)the owner of a trailer included in the combination.
(2)A person who meets more than one of the descriptions in paragraphs (1)(a), (b) and (c) may be punished only once for the same failure of the combination to comply with a requirement.
9Proof of loading offences
(1)In proceedings for a failure to comply with subclause 3.1(1), (2) or (3) of the Schedule (relating to loading a vehicle), it is sufficient for the prosecution to prove that the load on the vehicle was not placed, secured or restrained (as the case requires) in a way that met the performance standards recommended in the Load Restraint Guide:
(a)published by the Australian Government Publishing Service on 12 December 1994; and
(b)available from Commonwealth Government Bookshops.
(2)In proceedings for a failure to comply with clause 3.1 of the Schedule, a document purporting to be the Load Restraint Guide referred to in subclause (1) must be taken to be the Load Restraint Guide, unless the document is proved not to be the Load Restraint Guide.
(3)If the prosecution in proceedings for a failure to comply with subclause 3.1(2) of the Schedule (relating to securing a load on a vehicle) proves that the load, or part of the load, had fallen off the vehicle, the burden of proof is on the defendant to show compliance.
10Penalty for an offence
(1)A person convicted of an offence under regulation 6, 7 or 8 for a failure to comply with a requirement in Part 1 of the Schedule is liable to a penalty not exceeding $3 000 for an individual or $15 000 for a body corporate.
(2)A person convicted of an offence under regulation 6, 7 or 8 for a failure to comply with a requirement in Part 2 or 3 of the Schedule is liable to a penalty not exceeding $2 000 for an individual or $10 000 for a body corporate.
11Multiple offences
A person who is convicted of an offence in relation to a vehicle or a combination that fails to comply with a requirement in the Schedule may be convicted of another offence if different parts of the vehicle or combination simultaneously fail to comply with the same requirement in the Schedule.
12Failure to comply with certain exemption conditions
If:
(a)a person is prosecuted for an offence under these Regulations; and
(b)the offence relates to the failure of a vehicle or combination to comply with a mass or dimension limit specified in these Regulations; and
(c)an exemption has been given under any Regulations made under the Act that is subject to the condition that the vehicle or combination complies with a greater mass or dimension limit than the mass or dimension limit referred to in paragraph (b); and
(d)at the time of the alleged offence, the vehicle or combination was travelling:
(i)on a route other than a route on which the vehicle or combination was permitted to travel under a condition of the exemption; or
(ii)at a time other than a time at which the vehicle or combination was permitted to travel under a condition of the exemption; or
(iii)accompanied by fewer than the number of pilot or escort vehicles required under a condition of the exemption; or
(iv)with an aggregate mass that is more than 10% in excess of the limit allowed under a condition of the exemption;
the exemption must be disregarded for the purposes of the prosecution.
13Declaring buses to be complying buses
(1)This regulation applies to a bus with 2 or 3 axles and a single steer axle that:
(a)is not fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; or
(b)is fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with that Act but the compliance plate indicates that the bus was manufactured before 1 July 1994.
(2)The vehicle registration authority may declare that a bus equipped with an approved air suspension system is a complying bus for the purposes of these Regulations if the vehicle registration authority is satisfied that the bus meets:
(a)the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44; and
(b)the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59; and
(c)the occupant protection specifications in ADR 68.
Schedule—Mass and loading requirements
(regulation 5)
Part 1—Mass limits
1.1Mass limit for a single vehicle
The total mass of a vehicle and any load must not exceed the vehicle’s GVM.
1.2Mass limits for tyres, wheels and axles
(1)The mass on a wheel or axle must not exceed the limit set by its manufacturer.
(2)The mass on a tyre must not exceed the greatest load capacity determined for the tyre by the manufacturer at a cold inflation pressure that does not exceed:
(a)825 kilopascals for a radial ply tyre; or
(b)700 kilopascals for any other tyre.
(3)The mass on an axle group or single axle must not exceed the limit provided for it in Table 1.
(4)The mass limit in Table 1 that applies to an axle group that includes a retractable axle must be determined as if the axle did not exist, unless subclause (5) applies.
(5)A retractable axle is part of an axle group for the purposes of Table 1 if, when the mass on the group exceeds:
(a)6 tonnes, in the case of a tandem axle group; or
(b)11 tonnes, in the case of a tri‑axle group.
the tyres on the axle are in contact with the ground and the load‑sharing suspension system is operating on each axle (including the retractable axle) and tyre in the group.
(6)The sum of the mass on the axle groups and single axles on a vehicle or combination must not exceed:
(a)in the case of a complying bus without a trailer:
(i)if the complying bus has 2 axles—16.0 tonnes; and
(ii)if the complying bus has a rear tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on one axle and dual tyres on the other axle—20.0 tonnes; and
(iii)if the complying bus has a rear tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on both axles—22.5 tonnes; and
(b)in the case of a combination consisting of a complying bus and a trailer—the sum of the mass limit specified for the bus in paragraph 1.2(6)(a) and the mass limits of the axle groups and single axles of the trailer as provided in Table 1; and
(c)in any other case—the sum of the mass limits of the axle groups and single axles as provided in Table 1.
Table 1 Mass limits for single axles and axle groups
| Description of single axle or axle group |
Mass Limit
(tonnes) |
| Single axles and single axle groups | |
| Single steer axle on: | |
| (a) a complying bus | 6.5 |
| (b) any other motor vehicle | 6.0 |
| Single axle or single axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of: | |
| (a) less than 375 mm | 6.0 |
| (b) at least 375 mm but less than 450 mm | 6.7 |
| (c) at least 450 mm | 7.0 |
| Single axle or single axle group fitted with dual tyres on: | |
| (a) a pig trailer | 8.5 |
| (b) a complying bus or a bus licensed to carry standing passengers | 10.0 |
| (c) any other vehicle | 9.0 |
| Twinsteer axle groups | |
| Twinsteer axle group without a load‑sharing suspension system | 10.0 |
| Twinsteer axle group with a load‑sharing suspension system | 11.0 |
| Tandem axle groups | |
| Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of: | |
| (a) less than 375 mm | 11.0 |
| (b) at least 375 mm but less than 450 mm | 13.3 |
| (c) at least 450 mm | 14.0 |
| Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on one axle and dual tyres on the other axle on: | |
| (a) a complying bus | 14.0 |
| (b) any other vehicle | 13.0 |
| Tandem axle group fitted with dual tyres on: | |
| (a) a pig trailer | 15.0 |
| (b) any other vehicle | 16.5 |
| Tri‑axle groups | |
| Tri‑axle group on a vehicle fitted with single tyres with section width of less than 375 mm on all axles, or single tyres on 1 or 2 axles and dual tyres on the other axle or axles | 15.0 |
| Tri‑axle group on a pig trailer with either single tyres with section width of at least 375 mm, dual tyres on all axles, or a combination of those tyres | 18.0 |
| Tri‑axle group, on a vehicle other than a pig trailer, with either single tyres with section width of at least 375 mm, dual tyres, or a combination of those tyres | 20.0 |
| Quad‑axle groups | |
| Quad‑axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of less than 375 mm | 15.0 |
| Quad‑axle group fitted with single tyres with section width of at least 375 mm or dual tyres | 20.0 |
Note:Subclause 4.2(1) of the Schedule to the Road Transport Reform (Heavy Vehicle Standards) Regulations requires axles in all axle groups except twinsteer axle groups to relate to each other through a load‑sharing suspension system.
1.3Mass limits relating to axle spacing
(1)If the total mass of a vehicle or a combination, and any load, cannot lawfully exceed 42.5 tonnes, the mass limits in Table 2 must not be exceeded in relation to the distances set out in the Table that apply to the vehicle or combination.
(2)Each distance in the Table refers to:
(a)the distance from the centre of any single axle to the centre of any other single axle; or
(b)the distance from the centre of any single axle to the centre of the furthest axle in any axle group; or
(c)the greatest distance between the centres of axles in any 2 axle groups.
Measurement of distances for Table 2
(3)The mass limits in Table 2 apply to the sum of the mass on each axle group or single axle in the distance referred to in the Table, including the axles between which the distance is measured.
(4)The total mass of a vehicle or a combination, and any load, must not exceed 15 tonnes if the distance between any 2 axles that are not part of the same axle group is less than 2.5 metres.
Table 2 Mass limits relating to axle spacing
|
Distance
(metres) |
Mass limit
(tonnes) |
|
| exceeding | not exceeding | |
| 0.0 | 3.7 | 23.0 |
| 3.7 | 3.8 | 23.5 |
| 3.8 | 4.0 | 24.0 |
| 4.0 | 4.2 | 24.5 |
| 4.2 | 4.3 | 25.0 |
| 4.3 | 4.5 | 25.5 |
| 4.5 | 4.7 | 26.0 |
| 4.7 | 4.8 | 26.5 |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 27.0 |
| 5.0 | 5.2 | 27.5 |
| 5.2 | 5.3 | 28.0 |
| 5.3 | 5.5 | 28.5 |
| 5.5 | 5.7 | 29.0 |
| 5.7 | 5.8 | 29.5 |
| 5.8 | 6.0 | 30.0 |
| 6.0 | 6.2 | 30.5 |
| 6.2 | 6.3 | 31.0 |
| 6.3 | 6.5 | 31.5 |
| 6.5 | 6.7 | 32.0 |
| 6.7 | 6.8 | 32.5 |
| 6.8 | 7.0 | 33.0 |
| 7.0 | 7.2 | 33.5 |
| 7.2 | 7.3 | 34.0 |
| 7.3 | 7.5 | 34.5 |
| 7.5 | 7.7 | 35.0 |
| 7.7 | 7.8 | 35.5 |
| 7.8 | 8.0 | 36.0 |
| 8.0 | 8.2 | 36.5 |
| 8.2 | 8.3 | 37.0 |
| 8.3 | 8.5 | 37.5 |
| 8.5 | 8.7 | 38.0 |
| 8.7 | 8.8 | 38.5 |
| 8.8 | 9.0 | 39.0 |
| 9.0 | 9.2 | 39.5 |
| 9.2 | 9.3 | 40.0 |
| 9.3 | 9.5 | 40.5 |
| 9.5 | 9.7 | 41.0 |
| 9.7 | 9.8 | 41.5 |
| 9.8 | 10.0 | 42.0 |
| 10.0 | 42.5 | |
1.4Mass limits for combinations
(1)The total mass of a combination other than a road train or B‑double, and any load, must not exceed 42.5 tonnes.
(2)The loaded mass of a dog trailer or pig trailer must not exceed the loaded mass of the towing vehicle.
(3)The total mass of a combination, and any load, must not exceed the towing vehicle’s GCM.
(4)If the manufacturer of a motor vehicle forming part of a road train or B‑double has not determined the GCM of the vehicle, the total mass of the combination and any load must not exceed the number of kilograms worked out using the following formula:
where:
K means:
(a)0.055 if a single drive axle is fitted to the motor vehicle; or
(b)0.053 if a single drive tandem axle group is fitted to the motor vehicle; or
(c)0.051 if a dual drive tandem axle group is fitted to the motor vehicle.
M means the number of tyre revolutions per kilometre as specified by the tyre manufacturer for the tyres fitted to the driving axle or axles.
R means the overall gear reduction between engine and drive wheels.
T means the maximum engine net torque in newton‑metres.
Part 2—Size and projection of loads
2.1Size limits
(1)A vehicle or a combination, and its load, must not exceed a size limit set for the vehicle or combination in the Road Transport Reform (Heavy Vehicle Standards) Regulations.
(2)The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a vehicle and the rear of any load it is carrying must not exceed the rear overhang that the vehicle is allowed under the Road Transport Reform (Heavy Vehicle Standards) Regulations.
Illustration of:
•front projection limit; and
•rear overhang limit from Road Transport Reform (Heavy Vehicle Standards) Regulations; and
•maximum rear projection of load allowed without a warning signal.
(3)In spite of subclauses (1) and (2):
(a)the height of a vehicle that is carrying vehicles on more than one deck, and its load, must not exceed 4.6 metres; and
(b)the distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a trailer carrying vehicles on more than one deck and the rear of the rearmost vehicle on the trailer must not exceed 4.9 metres.
Maximum allowable dimensions of a loaded car carrier
2.2Front and side projections
A load on a vehicle must not project more than 1.2 metres in front of the vehicle, or more than 150 millimetres from the outermost part of either side of it.
Vehicle loaded to width limits referred to in subclause 2.1(1), with maximum side projection of load allowed under clause 2.2
Note:The combined dimensions of a vehicle and its load must still meet the requirements of clause 2.1 even if the load projects from the vehicle in any direction.
2.3Rear projections
(1)The rear of a load on a vehicle must carry a warning signal if the load:
(a)projects more than 1.2 metres behind the vehicle; or
(b)projects to the rear of the vehicle so that the end of the load cannot be seen easily from behind; or
(c)is on a pole‑type trailer.
(2)In daytime, the warning signal must be a brightly coloured flag or piece of material, with each side at least 300 millimetres long.
(3)In the night‑time, the warning signal must be a red light which can be seen for 200 metres.
2.4Dangerous projections
A load on a vehicle must not project in a way that is dangerous to a person or to property, even if all dimension and warning requirements are met.
Part 3—Placing and securing loads
3.1Loading obligations
(1)A load on a vehicle must not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe.
(2)A load on a vehicle must be secured so that it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged from the vehicle.
(3)An appropriate method must be used to restrain the load on a vehicle.
3.2Trailers
(1)A trailer in a combination must be securely coupled to the vehicle in front of it.
(2)The components of a coupling used between vehicles must be compatible and properly connected to each other.
Part 4—Interpretation
Note:The following definitions appear in the Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993:
motor vehicle means a vehicle that is built to be propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle.
road means an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles.
trailer means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a motor vehicle, but does not include a motor vehicle being towed.
The terms have the same meaning in these Regulations as they have in the Act.
4.1Definitions
In this Schedule:
ADR (Australian Design Rule) means a national standard under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, as amended and in force from time to time.
approved air suspension system, in relation to a vehicle, means a suspension system in which:
(a)vertical movement between each axle and the body of the vehicle is controlled by variations in the pressure of air in an air spring; and
(b)the proportion of the vehicle’s mass that is borne by the air spring remains substantially constant despite variations in the pressure of air in the air spring.
axle means one or more shafts positioned in a line across a vehicle, on which one or more wheels intended to support the vehicle turn.
axle group means a single axle group, tandem axle group, twinsteer axle group, tri‑axle group or quad‑axle group.
B‑double means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing 2 semi‑trailers.
Typical B‑double
centre of an axle group means:
(a)a line located midway between the centre‑lines of the outermost axles of the group; or
(b)if the group consists of 2 axles, one of which is fitted with twice the number of tyres as the other axle—a line located one third of the way from the centre‑line of the axle with more tyres towards the centre‑line of the axle with fewer tyres.
Centre of a typical tandem axle group fitted with an equal number of tyres on each axle
Centre of a typical tandem axle group fitted with a different number of tyres on each axle
Centre of a typical tri‑axle group
Centre of a typical quad‑axle group
combination means a motor vehicle connected to one or more trailers.
complying bus means:
(a)a bus with 2 or 3 axles and a single steer axle that:
(i)is fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 indicating that the bus was manufactured during or after July 1994; and
(ii)meets the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44; and
(iii)meets the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59; and
(iv)meets the occupant protection specifications in ADR 68; and
(v)is equipped with an approved air suspension system; or
(b)a bus that is the subject of a declaration under regulation 13 or under a corresponding law of another State or Territory.
converter dolly means a trailer with one axle group or single axle and a fifth wheel coupling designed to convert a semi‑trailer into a dog trailer.
Typical converter dolly
dog trailer means a trailer (including a trailer consisting of a semi‑trailer and converter dolly) with:
(a)one axle group or single axle at the front that is steered by connection to the towing vehicle by a drawbar; and
(b)one axle group or single axle at the rear.
Typical dog trailer
drawbar means a part of a trailer (other than a semi‑trailer) that connects the trailer body to a coupling for towing purposes.
driver means the person driving or in control of a motor vehicle.
fifth wheel coupling means a device, other than the upper rotating element and the kingpin (which are parts of a semi‑trailer), used with a prime mover, semi‑trailer or a converter dolly to permit quick coupling and uncoupling and to provide for articulation.
GCM (gross combination mass), in relation to a motor vehicle, means the greatest possible sum of the maximum loaded mass of the motor vehicle and of any vehicles that may lawfully be towed by it at one time:
(a)as specified by the motor vehicle’s manufacturer:
(i)on a plate fixed to the vehicle by the manufacturer; or
(ii)if the manufacturer has not specified the sum of the maximum loaded mass on a plate fixed to the vehicle—in another place; or
(b)as specified by the vehicle registration authority if:
(i)the manufacturer has not specified the sum of the maximum loaded mass; or
(ii)the manufacturer cannot be identified; or
(iii)the vehicle has been modified to the extent that the manufacturer’s specification is no longer appropriate.
GVM (gross vehicle mass) means the maximum loaded mass of a vehicle:
(a)as specified by the manufacturer; or
(b)as specified by the vehicle registration authority if:
(i)the manufacturer has not specified a maximum loaded mass; or
(ii)the manufacturer cannot be identified; or
(iii)the vehicle has been modified to the extent that the manufacturer’s specification is no longer appropriate.
load, in relation to a vehicle, includes anything that is normally removed from the vehicle when the vehicle is not in use.
load‑sharing suspension system means an axle group suspension system that:
(a)is built to divide the load between the tyres on the group so that no tyre carries a mass more than 10% greater than the mass it would carry if the load were divided equally; and
(b)has effective damping characteristics on all axles of the group.
night‑time means the time beginning at sunset and ending at sunrise.
owner, in relation to a vehicle, means:
(a)if the vehicle:
(i)is registered—a person in whose name the vehicle is registered under a Commonwealth, State or Territory Act; or
(ii)is not registered—a person to whom a mark, plate, or permit has been issued to allow the vehicle to be used; and
(b)a person who, according to the vehicle registration authority’s records, has acquired the vehicle from the person in whose name the vehicle is registered under the relevant law; and
(c)a person who is entitled to the possession of the vehicle.
pig trailer means a trailer with one axle group or single axle near the middle of its load‑carrying surface, and connected to the towing vehicle by a drawbar.
Typical pig trailer
pole‑type trailer means a trailer that:
(a)is attached to a towing vehicle by means of a pole or an attachment fitted to a pole; and
(b)is ordinarily used for transporting loads, such as logs, pipes, structural members or other long objects, that are generally capable of supporting themselves like beams between supports.
Typical pole‑type trailer
prime mover means a motor vehicle built to tow a semi‑trailer.
quad‑axle group means a group of 4 axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre‑lines of the outermost axles is more than 3.2 metres but not more than 4.9 metres.
rear overhang line means:
(a)if there is a single axle at the rear of the vehicle—the centre‑line of the axle; or
(b)if there is an axle group at the rear of the vehicle—the centre of the axle group, determined without regard to the presence of any steerable axle or retractable axle in the group unless all axles in the group are steerable or retractable.
Rear overhang line on a typical motor vehicle that has an axle group
Rear overhang line on a typical semi‑trailer
retractable axle means an axle that can be raised so that the tyres on the axle do not touch the ground.
road train means a combination, other than a B‑double, consisting of a motor vehicle towing at least 2 trailers (counting as one trailer a converter dolly supporting a semi‑trailer).
Typical triple road train
semi‑trailer means a trailer that has:
(a)one axle group or single axle towards the rear; and
(b)a means of attachment to a prime mover that would result in some of the load being imposed on the prime mover.
single axle means an axle not forming part of an axle group.
single axle group means a group of 2 or more axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre‑lines of the outermost axles is less than 1 metre.
tandem axle group means a group of at least 2 axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre‑lines of the outermost axles is at least 1 metre, but not more than 2 metres.
tri‑axle group means a group of at least 3 axles, in which the horizontal distance between the centre‑lines of the outermost axles is more than 2 metres, but not more than 3.2 metres.
twinsteer axle group means a group of 2 axles:
(a)with single tyres; and
(b)fitted to a motor vehicle; and
(c)connected to the same steering mechanism; and
(d)the horizontal distance between whose centre‑lines is at least 1 metre, but not more than 2 metres.
Typical twinsteer axle group on a motor vehicle
vehicle includes the vehicle’s equipment and any substances that the vehicle is carrying that are essential for its operation.
vehicle registration authority, in relation to a vehicle, means:
(a)the authority that last registered the vehicle; or
(b)if the vehicle has never been registered—the authority responsible for registering vehicles in the State or Territory in which the vehicle is used or is intended to be used.
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
Abbreviation key—Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.
If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
| ad = added or inserted | o = order(s) |
| am = amended | Ord = Ordinance |
| amdt = amendment | orig = original |
| c = clause(s) | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |
| C[x] = Compilation No. x | /sub‑subparagraph(s) |
| Ch = Chapter(s) | pres = present |
| def = definition(s) | prev = previous |
| Dict = Dictionary | (prev…) = previously |
| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | Pt = Part(s) |
| Div = Division(s) | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
| ed = editorial change | reloc = relocated |
| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | renum = renumbered |
| effect | rep = repealed |
| F = Federal Register of Legislation | rs = repealed and substituted |
| gaz = gazette | s = section(s)/subsection(s) |
| LA = Legislation Act 2003 | Sch = Schedule(s) |
| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003 | Sdiv = Subdivision(s) |
| (md) = misdescribed amendment can be given | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
| effect | SR = Statutory Rules |
| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s) |
| cannot be given effect | SubPt = Subpart(s) |
| mod = modified/modification | underlining = whole or part not |
| No. = Number(s) | commenced or to be commenced |
Endnote 3—Legislation history
| Name | Registration | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |
| National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Mass and Loading Regulations) Regulations 2006 (SLI No. 28, 2006) | 20 Feb 2006 (F2006L00258) | 21 Feb 2006 (r 2) | |
| National Transport Commission (Road Transport Legislation—Mass and Loading Regulations) Amendment Regulations 2006 (No. 1) (SLI No. 27, 2006) | 20 Feb 2006 (F2006L00262) | 21 Feb 2006 (r 2) | — |
| Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Amendments) Regulation 2016 | 29 Feb 2016 (F2016L00170) | Sch 1 (item 56): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 1) | — |
Endnote 4—Amendment history
| Provision affected | How affected |
| r 3............................................. | am F2016L00170 |
| Schedule 1 | |
| r 12............................................ | ad F2006L00262 |
| r 13............................................ | ad F2006L00262 |
| Schedule (within Schedule 1) | |
| Part 1 | |
| c 1.2.......................................... | am F2006L00262 |
| ed C1 | |
| Part 4 | |
| c 4.1.......................................... | am F2006L00262 |
| ed C1 |
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